NCC Hosts Media Training To Enhance Understanding Of Telecom Sector Trends

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently organised a two-day training session for media executives in Lagos, titled “Upskilling on Trends in the Telecom Sector for Media Executives.” This event aimed to update media stakeholders on the latest developments, regulatory strides, challenges, and prospects in the telecom industry.

Held at The Providence Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State, the session featured expert speakers from both the NCC and the telecom industry. Topics covered included an overview of trends in the local and international telecom ecosystem, the role of compliance and consumer protection, enhancing a healthy competition regime, cybersecurity issues, and the impact on the digital economy.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, emphasised the importance of understanding technological advancements and the need for media stakeholders to stay informed. He stated that the training would promote specialisation in the digital age and provide media stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the evolution of the Nigerian telecom sector.

The event was a success, with participants commending the NCC for organising the session. It concluded with a call to action, urging media stakeholders to raise awareness, hold stakeholders accountable, and shape public opinion.

According to Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Affairs, the training session was a promise kept by Dr. Aminu Maida, underscoring the NCC’s commitment to ensuring media stakeholders fully understand the intricacies of information technology. He highlighted the participation of resource professionals from within and outside the NCC.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Maida, represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, noted the significant changes in the Nigerian telecom industry. He stressed the importance of stakeholders understanding how technology drives the world, aiming for a more enlightened media community post-training.

Engr. Oshadami, speaking on “An Overview of Trends in the Local/International Telecom Ecosystem,” traced the growth of telecom from analogue to digital, highlighting the increase from a few thousand connected lines in 2001 to over 200 million active lines in 2024. He attributed this growth to the liberalisation brought by the establishment of the NCC in 1992.

Efosa Idehen, Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement at NCC, discussed “The Role of Compliance and Consumer Protection in Nigeria’s Telecom Industry.” He emphasised the need for a fair and regulated environment to address challenges such as poor service quality, inadequate infrastructure, and cybercrime. Idehen highlighted the NCC’s role in ensuring consumer satisfaction and protection through effective complaints resolution mechanisms and regular monitoring.

Ayuba Shuaibu, Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at NCC, spoke on “Enhancing a Healthy Competition Regime in Telecom,” outlining the importance of preventing anti-competitive practices and promoting consumer choice. He called on media stakeholders to raise awareness and shape public opinion.

Engr. Babagana Digima, Head of New Media and Information Security, addressed “Cybersecurity Issues and Impact on Digital Economy,” emphasising the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting information and systems. He highlighted various cyber threats and the NCC’s efforts in establishing a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT).

Dr. Adedoyin Salami, a noted economist, spoke on “Technology: Significance on Micro and Macro Economic Systems,” detailing the telecom sector’s growth and its impact on Nigeria’s economy. He noted the sector’s significant contribution to economic output and employment.

Usman Mamman, Director of Licensing and Authorisation, discussed “New Trends in Licensing and Authorisation,” highlighting the benefits of liberalisation and competitive markets in improving service quality and access.

Edoyemi Ogoh, Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, covered the transition from Quality of Service (QoS) to Quality of Experience (QoE), stressing the importance of user satisfaction in the digital age.

Co-host Frank Aigbogun led a session on “Navigating Specialised Reporting: Exploring the Communications & Digital Economy Sector,” emphasising journalism’s role in fostering a prosperous economy and healthy competition.

Engr. Oshadami also presented on “Optimising Spectrum Administration in Telecommunications,” explaining the importance of efficient spectrum management in stimulating economic growth.

Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Acting Head of Legal & Regulatory Services, concluded with a discussion on the “Dynamics of the Legal and Regulatory Ecosystem in Nigeria’s Telecom Industry,” emphasising the need for stakeholders to stay informed and engaged.

Overall, the NCC’s training session was a significant step towards promoting a better understanding of the telecom industry among media stakeholders, with expectations of a positive impact on the sector as a whole.